All three charges carry maximum penalties of life in prison. Dillard likely will appear for arraignment on the charges on Monday morning.

Michigan State Police Lt. Brian Cole stated in a Friday press release that Saginaw police officers were called to Dillard's home, 1812 Ames near North Carolina, about 12:50 p.m. Thursday for a report that the boy was unresponsive.

The child, who was conscious when officers arrived, appeared to have burns on his body and head trauma, Cole stated. He's listed in critical condition at a Saginaw hospital, Cole stated.

An investigation by the Major Crimes Unit, made up of detectives from the Michigan State Police and Saginaw Police Department, led to the arrest of the 39-year-old Dillard, Cole stated. Officers lodged Dillard in the Saginaw County Jail just before midnight Thursday, and prosecutors late Friday afternoon authorized the three charges against Dillard.

Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Boyd said detectives are continuing their investigation.

“In the meantime,” Boyd said, “all the children have been removed from the household.”

— Andy Hoag covers courts for MLive/The Saginaw News. Email him at ahoag@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter @awhoag